Strength training helps build muscle and strengthens bones and joints.Bones lose calcium and weaken with age, but strength training can help slow or sometimes even reverse this trend. Not only can strength training make you look and feel better, but it can also result in better performance of everyday activities, such as climbing stairs and carrying bundles. Stronger muscles also mean better mobility and balance, and thus a lower risk of falling and injuring yourself. In addition, more lean body mass aids in weight control because each pound of muscle burns more calories than its equivalent in fat.

Muscles tend to shorten and weaken with age. Shorter, stiffer muscle fibers make you vulnerable to injuries, back pain, and stress. But regularly performing exercises that isolate and stretch the elastic fibers surrounding your muscles and tendons can counteract this process. Stretching ican also mproves your posture and balance.

Regularly performing balance exercises is one of the best ways to protect against falls that lead to temporary or permanent disability. Many strength-training exercises also serve as balance excecises as well, since muscles and joints are being strengthened as well.